A criminal investigation looking into the conduct of Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner has been dropped.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced yesterday that Olly Martins will not be prosecuted after discussing sensitive information about the death of Leon Briggs with his partner.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission had passed on Mr Martins’ file to the CPS last month after carrying out an investigation into the PCC relating to the death of Mr Briggs, who died in hospital after being taken ill at Luton Police Station in November last year.

In a statement explaining the decision not to prosecute, the CPS said: “After careful consideration and a review of the evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

“In any case of misconduct in public office, we would have to show that any disclosure of information was serious enough to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust, particularly regarding the extent and the likely consequences of the disclosure.

“The evidence is not sufficient to establish this. As a result, we have advised the IPCC that no further criminal action should be taken.”

Mr Martins, who became the first PCC for Bedfordshire in November 2012, said: “I welcome that the CPS has clearly established there are no criminal charges to answer and I hope that people will be reassured that my actions have been investigated exhaustively and due process has been followed to the letter, leading to this outcome.

“As I have previously acknowledged, I made an error when I discussed sensitive information about the death of Leon Briggs with my partner, but I welcome the fact that the CPS has clearly established there are no criminal charges to answer.

“I was always concerned that the focus on my actions may detract from the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Leon Briggs. That is what really matters here. His family, friends and Bedfordshire Police need answers.

“This is also what the public in Bedfordshire deserve. Currently there are seven of their police officers and staff suspended on full pay, costing taxpayers around £26,000 per month for no benefit.

“A conclusion of the investigation, whatever the outcome, will enable that money to be used to keep our county safe. The longer this goes on, the greater the sense of injustice for all involved.”